BPN451: A Cyborg Beetle: Insect Flight Control by a Neural Stimulator

Project ID

BPN451

Website

Start Date

Thu 2008-Jan-31 16:32:04

Last Updated

Fri 2011-Aug-19 04:11:42

Abstract

Despite major advances, performance of micro air vehicles (MAV's) is still limited in terms of size, payload capacity, endurance, and
controllability. Various species of insects have as-yet unmatched flight capabilities and increasingly well understood muscular and
nervous systems. Additionally, some of these insects undergo complete metamorphosis making them amenable to implantation and
internal manipulation during metamorphosis. In light of this, we attempt to create implantable bio-interface to electrically stimulate
nervous and muscular systems of alive insect to control its flight. Our first target is beetle for the insect platform, and we would like
to call it 'cyborg beetle'.